New ASCE Companion Manuals Explore Overhead Power Line and Substation Foundations

Reston, Va. – American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released two new companion Manuals of Practice; Overhead Power Line and Substation Foundations: State of Practice, Basics, Type Selection, Geotechnical Topics, and Specialty Analysis (MOP 160) and Overhead Power Line and Substation Foundations: Design Loads, Strength Factors, Threshold Criteria, and Design/Construction Methodologies (MOP 161). 

Developed by the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), MOP 160 and MOP 161 together establish a broad resource for engineers working on transmission line and substation foundation projects.  MOP 160, Overhead Power Line and Substation Foundations: State of Practice, Basics, Type Selection, Geotechnical Topics, and Specialty Analysis, focuses on the foundational principles and key considerations that influence successful foundation performance. The manual covers topics such as foundation type selection, subsurface geotechnical exploration, geotechnical design parameters, seismic design, evaluation of existing foundations, corrosion protection, and concrete foundation anchorage design. The publication summarizes current industry practices and provides guidance to help engineers make informed decisions throughout the foundation design process.

MOP 161, Overhead Power Line and Substation Foundations: Design Loads, Strength Factors, Threshold Criteria, and Design/Construction Methodologies, expands on these fundamentals by addressing design methodologies and specific foundation systems used in utility infrastructure projects. The manual covers foundation design loads, strength factors, threshold criteria, and the design and construction of drilled shafts, shallow foundations, direct-embedded pole foundations, pile systems, continuous flight auger piles, and tension-only anchors. 

While each manual can be used independently, the publications are designed to work together. MOP 160 establishes the groundwork by addressing the state of practice, geotechnical considerations, foundation selection, and specialty topics that help engineers understand project conditions and foundation requirements. MOP 161 builds on that foundation by providing detailed guidance on design loads, performance criteria, and the analysis and construction methodologies for specific foundation types. Together, the two volumes offer a complete framework that spans planning, site investigation, foundation selection, structural design, and construction considerations. 

About The American Society of Civil Engineers

Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 150,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America’s oldest national engineering society. ASCE works to raise awareness of the need to maintain and modernize the nation’s infrastructure using sustainable and resilient practices, advocates for increasing and optimizing investment in infrastructure, and improve engineering knowledge and competency.